Taipei cancer center offers one-on-one service

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Taipei Medical University Hospital recently established an "all in one" service at the Out-Patient Clinic of International Taipei Cancer Center; there will be one-on-one service for reserve appointments, arranged medical examinations and medication distribution at the center.

Dr. Yun Yen (閻雲), president of Taipei Medical University, said the clinic accepts reservations only, so patients do not need to waste time waiting in the hospital. Yen said the center will adopt multidiscipline approaches to cancer treatment, including operations, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other treatments.

There will be one designated doctor to lead a medical team from various sectors to work on an individual patient's case, Yen said, adding that the team will adopt a treatment plan which the doctors and the patient's families agree with.

Yen said the center will appoint one "navigator," who is experienced at clinics, to accompany the patients during their entire time at the center.

Yen added that the navigator will explain medical treatments, the purpose of examinations and the possible side-effects to the patients, ensuring that the patients understands every process in the center.

Yen said the navigator will also be the contact between the patient and the doctors, to make sure the appointment is smooth and efficient.

The center provides a pioneering out-patient service for cancer-prevention consultations, Yen said. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will see doctors evaluating risk factors for cancer, and make plans for cancer detection.

Dr. Jacqueline Whang-peng (彭汪嘉康), convener of the cancer center, said apart from the out-patient clinic service for cancer treatment, the center will work on to establishing a medical training center for adult and children's cancer.